I swear that I'm not trying to flagellate a dead horse here...but isn't it funny how this commercial was (as far as I can tell) almost universally hailed as hilarious while the Nike Hyperdunk ads were considered (by some) to be homophobic? Particularly since this commercial made an explicit point of showing both the naked guy's genitals/ass(though they were digitally obscured) and the corresponding disgust/fear/paranoia displayed by the other players.

Maybe the difference in perception comes from the fact that the Yard Fitness commercial was so clearly meant to be humorous while the Hyperdunk ads were shot in a faux dramatic style. Where, exactly, is the imaginary line that separates "funny" from "offensive"? Does anybody really know?

Me? I've always loved this commercial. And it certainly would be an interesting social experiment to show up to pickup ball and play naked...I wonder how the other players would actually react?

Hilarious! I haven't seen that commercial in ages and it brings up a great point. Maybe it's because Nike is a big evil corporation that pays sweatshop workers 25 cents a day (or whatever the hell it is).

"Where, exactly, is the imaginary line that separates "funny" from "offensive"? Does anybody really know?"

There you hit the core of the question.

My wife does nonprofit fundraising (she directs a museum). One major donor of hers was a major Madison avenue ad exec, and she explained it to my wife like this:

TV-based ads have three sequential goals: 1) get you not to change channels, 2) get you to actually watch the ad instead of going to the bathroom or getting a snack, and 3) de-mute. That is because the main purpose of ads is to get the product name in your head. For the most part, they are not actually trying to sell you something, but instead, trying to keep name recognition there. Since for the vast majority of products you are choosing between A and B with all other things being equal, this is the single most important facet of advertising: just getting you to actually view the ad.

Consequently, one of the major tactics of advertising is to skirt the line between funny and offensive. In fact, many intentionally go past the line, because their research shows that they make more money that way.

That's why I think the entire Nike ad deal was actually manufactured. They WANTED it to play out like this, and their ad got far more views than it would have otherwise. Naturally, the indignation of the blogosphere plays right into that.

ak dave -- No, that commercial did indeed air on American TV. I couldn't find the original on YouTube and had to use the one with the German text on the bottom. But I first saw it while watching NFL football a couple years back.

this commercial is hilarious and always will be. I would never understand how anyone could consider the disgust a player might have while another player's sweaty man junk is all over his body to be offensive. I dont care WHO you are... you DO NOT want perspirated balls around your face.

and to think how it would be if a guy showed up naked to the gym... i wouldnt play with him.. i doubt anyone would...would you??